Shona, I think the mittens were the first project I tried from this book. At the time, I still considered myself a beginner and I don't remember having too much trouble with them. In fact, when trying other mitten and glove patterns, I've gone back to that Weekend Knitting pattern to use their instructions for the thumb gusset, because I really like the way it's done.

Thanks Knitchick2 - I'll try them!!Hmm - now to order some yarn - the other bit of my present is still to come!

Hi I have 2 cents to add. Not all people who work with clay are potters. I say we have a ceramics board (I know that is high faluten, and not all potters call themselves ceramicists and vice versa, but clay is a medium in it's own right). Not all who work with clay choose to make "house wares". Thanks...

Ceramics board would be grreat - I do classes and am always looking for ideas for stuff to make (little imagination, sadly...).

I bought some 'make your own cracker kits' in the post Christmas sales and am determined to fill them with goodies for next Christmas - so I have a whole year to collect small things! Do you think they are better being tagged for an individual so you can target the gift, or just random gifts? Or people could swap what they get.... hmmm.